Sold out business expo

A revamped Carthage Chamber of Commerce Business Expo 2013 kicked off with Chamber members and guests invited to preview the 66 booths at the May Business After Hours, Thursday at the Congregation of the Mother Co-Redemptrix Auditorium, 1900 S. Grand.John Hoffer Dodge is sponsored the Business After Hours on Thursday.

A revamped Carthage Chamber of Commerce Business Expo 2013 kicked off with Chamber members and guests invited to preview the 66 booths at the May Business After Hours, Thursday at the Congregation of the Mother Co-Redemptrix Auditorium, 1900 S. Grand.

John Hoffer Dodge is sponsored the Business After Hours on Thursday.

The general public turned out to the business expo from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Friday.

This is the first year for the event at the new and much larger venue at the CMC.

Neely Myers, Membership Director for the Carthage Chamber of Commerce, said the move from Memorial Hall allowed the chamber to increase the number of booth spaces available from 42 to 66, an increase of 24 booths over past events.

The new venue allows space for an exhibitor's lounge for people staffing the booths at the expo.

Exhibitors who need to step away from their booths for a few minutes can call on a "care team volunteer," to watch their booth for them.

Myers said there is plenty of parking space around the complex, including on-street parking Highland Street and within the campus. A handicapped parking area is also available.

Myers said drawings will be held for prizes throughout both days with two grand prizes, an iPad tablet computer from Neotech Solutions and a makeover from Dr. Fly's, will be given away on Friday, May 10.

Myers said people can vote on their favorite booth and hourly door prizes will be given away on both days.

Food samples will also be provided at some booths, including the Broadview Country Club, Domino's Pizza and the Sassy Spoon booths.